The bill seeks to strengthen the regulation of wood burning devices in Washington State to align with federal air quality standards and safeguard public health and the environment. It establishes a verification program for wood burning devices certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure compliance with state emission standards. The Department of Ecology is responsible for creating statewide emission performance standards for new wood burning devices, effective January 1, 2025, and prohibits the sale of devices that do not meet these standards. Key amendments include redefining terms related to wood burning devices and introducing new definitions for residential forced-air furnaces and hydronic heaters, while also mandating that no wood burning device can be installed unless it meets the applicable emission standards.

Furthermore, the bill addresses air quality concerns by establishing criteria for declaring "first stage" and "second stage" impaired air quality, with specific thresholds for burn bans based on fine particulate levels. Local air pollution control authorities are granted the authority to preempt other state and local actions regarding air pollution control from wood-burning devices. The bill also includes provisions for accountability, requiring written reports following a second stage burn ban, and emphasizes public education for households using wood-burning devices to reduce emissions. It prohibits the burning of certain materials, such as garbage and treated wood, and outlines conditions for restricting the use of wood-burning devices in nonattainment areas for fine particulates.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.15.3520, 70A.15.3530, 70A.15.3540, 70A.15.3580, 70A.15.3600
Substitute Bill: 70A.15.3520, 70A.15.3530, 70A.15.3540, 70A.15.3580, 70A.15.3600